Requirements and Curriculum

Requirements include a minimum of 36 credit hours of coursework, which includes the core curriculum, departmental electives and external electives, along with a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 and a minimum grade of B- in every required course.

On this page:

Prerequisites

A semester each of calculus, anatomy, physiology, exercise science, physics lecture/lab and chemistry lecture/lab.

Core Curriculum

  • ES 502 Neuromuscular and Metabolic Responses to Exercise
  • ES 503 Cardiopulmonary Responses to Exercise
  • ES 539 Research Seminar
  • CHB 550 Public Health and Population Wellbeing
  • STA 527 Introduction to Medical Statistics or CEP 532 Understanding Statistical Research or OS 518 Statistical Methods Oral Science or equivalent
  • NTR 505 Exercise Nutrition

Thesis and Comprehensive Exam Curriculum

In the thesis option, you’ll enroll in ES 597 (6 credits) and engage in an independent research study by developing and defending a thesis.

In the comprehensive exam option, you’ll participate in research and a practicum, ES 592 (3 credits). 

Departmental Electives

Select a minimum of three credit hours in formal coursework (exercise science or nutrition) outside of the core curriculum. Courses that do not meet the departmental elective requirements include Research Seminar (ES 539), Directed Readings (ES 589), Thesis (ES 597) and Independent Study (ES 599).

Recent department electives include: 

  • ES 527 Obesity
  • ES 528 Health Promotion, Prevention & Wellness
  • ES 561 Special Topics: Diving Physiology
  • NTR 600 Pathophysiology of Nutrition Related Diseases

External Electives

You can further personalize your program with courses in related disciplines outside of the department. Your advisor can help you select the best courses based on your specific program of study. Please contact the graduate office at pphp.ens.grad@buffalo.edu if there is an elective you wish to get approved for your course of study.

Just a few examples of elective courses taken recently by Exercise Science MS students

Fall semester:

  • PGY 551 Human Physiology I
  • EEH 530 Intro To Health Care Organization

Spring semester:

  • MGH 632 Health Care Strategy & Operations
  • NTR 600 Pathophysiology Of Nutrition Related Diseases
  • PGY 552 Human Physiology II
  • EEH 542 Health Policy in the US

Informal Degree Requirements

You may need to complete specialty training or certification to participate in certain research studies.